The Chelsea boss took issue with the decision to include the word 'interim' in his job title and mentioned how he likes "to manage players and not names", in an exchange mostly directed at Stamford Bridge supporters who have been continuously vocal against his appointment.

But, although the episode is understood to have increased boardroom concerns about his management and recent results, there remains a degree of "sympathy" for the difficult situation he finds himself in.

Despite reports that Avram Grant is ready to take over on a caretaker basis, and an Evening Standard story that Benitez's press conference may even have been triggered by his knowledge of the club's pursuit of Jose Mourinho, the early indications are that no imminent decision will be taken on the Spaniard's future.